The first and second quarter of 2017 have seen some interesting movement on the price of gold sheen sapphire.
The price for top grade stones has increased slightly in Q1 and remains stable though Q2. Meanwhile prices for all other grades took a dip in Q1 and remain constant in Q2, with the exception of the street price of grade 2 stones which improved in Q2.
It seems clear that the market is becoming more discerning, reflected in the willingness to pay for best quality material. The trend has been for increasing sales from repeat buyers, which have exceeded reported sales from first time buyers for the first time in Q1, and continuing into Q2. This is further reflected in the price drop of lowest grade material, where buyers have been able to negotiate pricing based on large volume orders.
Special promotions for new cutting and polishing techniques as well as the introduction of new cut types and increased presence at trade shows have all contributed to fluctuations in mid to high grade pricing.
Price Chart Key:
- Grade 1 – No surface defects, no structural defects, or ‘very rare’
Grade 2 – Eye clean surface, no structural defects, or ‘rare’
Grade 3 – Minor surface defects, minor structural defects. or ‘common’ - Anything less than Grade 3 is not available for sale and either discarded or re-cut.
- “Buy” is the wholesale price for Grade 3 stones in large quantities over 10,000 carats
- “Sell” is the price offered for sale from retail or trade fare for single stones or small sales.
- “Street” is the negotiated price for small quantities of stones of various grades.